A mouth-watering summery dish, balsamic strawberries are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. If you’ve never tried this style of macerated strawberries before, you’re in for a real treat! Not only are they effortless to make, but they’re versatile and perfect for using up any strawberries you have on hand.
There are a few methods to macerate strawberries, but I use the fantastic combination of vinegar, honey, and pepper in this recipe. When it comes to pairing fruit with vinegar, balsamic is king. The tart, syrupy vinegar is a perfect partner for fruit like strawberries. The acidity of the balsamic helps to bring out the sweetness of the berries, while the richness of the vinegar compliments their natural juiciness.
At first, the flavor combination might seem odd, but trust me – it works! The contrasting flavors of the vinegar, pepper, and fruit create a truly delicious balance. Also known as peppered strawberries, you can serve them as an appetizer or side dish, on toast, or with a salad for a fruity addition. I love them with homemade strawberry shortcakes.
Why You’ll Love Balsamic Strawberries:
- Ready in minutes. Strawberries with balsamic vinegar only take about 10 minutes to make. You can easily have this dish on the table in no time!
- Perfect for reducing fruit waste. Whether you’ve got a batch of berries that aren’t as sweet as you’d like, or maybe they’re starting to get a little too ripe – this is the perfect way to use them up. The balsamic vinegar will bring out the berries’ natural sweetness and help mask any imperfections.
- Great for entertaining! Balsamic strawberries are a unique and impressive dish to serve guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a more formal gathering, your guests will love this recipe. Plus, it’s a super versatile dish! Serve with cheese or Parma ham for a fancy appetizer or on homemade pancakes for a uniquely delicious breakfast treat.
Ingredients For Macerated Strawberries
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
- Strawberries
- Oregano
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Strawberries With Balsamic Vinegar
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss with strawberries.
- Top with fresh oregano and serve.
Now you know how to macerate strawberries, let’s discuss what they actually are! Macerated strawberries are simply strawberries that have been soaked in a liquid or sugar. In this case, we’re using balsamic vinegar to create a distinct and delicious flavor combination. When you macerate strawberries, you are softening them to bring out their natural sweetness. It’s a super simple way to elevate a meal or create a satisfying snack to enjoy!
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for around 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop the longer they sit, and your strawberries will become softer. You can also freeze strawberries with balsamic vinegar for up to 6 months. Just defrost when you are ready to enjoy!
Absolutely! Most fruit you might have hanging around in your fridge can work. This is just one reason I love this recipe; it’s the perfect way to use up fruit that you otherwise might not eat. Add blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to balsamic vinegar for a refreshing and healthy dish. You may need to adjust the amount of honey and vinegar you use depending on how tart or sweet your fruit is.
Can you use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use sliced frozen strawberries to make my balsamic strawberries. The only difference is the berries will be a little softer, which is fine when making macerated strawberries! When thawed, they can produce a lot of juice, so make sure to drain them first.
Balsamic Strawberries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper coarsely ground
- 1 pound strawberries sliced
- 1 tablespoon oregano fresh
Instructions
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss with strawberries.
- Top with fresh oregano and serve.
Alli says
Surprisingly delicious!